Water uncertainties in Southeastern Nigeria: Why government should be interested in management

Abstract

This paper takes a look at the general condition of water resources availability and management
practices in Akwa Ibom State, southeastern Nigeria. The paper observes high incidence of inequity and
access burdens on the general population (especially the vulnerable groups) as well as reckless
incidence of exploitation of the aquifer for private market. These were all linked to weak government
involvements in the management of the resource, a situation that has given rise to uncertainties
relating to the survival and the ability of the resource system to sustain livelihoods beyond this
generation. The observations in the study reflect the general absence of a strong government
commitment in Nigeria to managing water resources with specific concerns on the survival of the
ecosystem. While striving to meet the various international commitments on universalizing water
access and services, the paper cautions that meeting human needs for water should not be at a
degenerating cost to the ecosystem. In the recommendation, the paper advocates a centralized and
coordinated water management practices with an ecosystem focus. Attaining this requires strong
precautionary policies on water demand management backed up by effective regulatory measures to
ensure optimum and balanced supply, efficient use as well as the protection of the natural system.